St. John's, NL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
110,525
3.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,000/yr
Private dwellings
54,067

St. John's population

How many people live in St. John's

St. John's is home to 110,525 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 48.4% identify as male and 51.6% as female.

Total population
110,525
3.5% year-over-year change
Population density
247.8/km2
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
53,515
Female
51.6%
57,010
Value Percent
Male 53,515 48.4%
Female 57,010 51.6%
A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in St. John's is 42.8. Children under 15 make up 13.2% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 12.4%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 14.7% are 25 to 34, 13.5% are 35 to 44, and 12.4% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 14.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 19.6%.

Average age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.2%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 34
14.7%
35 to 44
13.5%
45 to 54
12.4%
55 to 64
14.1%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent
Under 15 14,550 13.2%
15 to 24 13,760 12.4%
25 to 34 16,295 14.7%
35 to 44 14,900 13.5%
45 to 54 13,710 12.4%
55 to 64 15,590 14.1%
Over 65 21,720 19.6%
Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In St. John's, 89.2% of residents were born in Canada, while 7% have settled here from abroad. Another 3.8% are non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers or international students.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
89.2%
Immigrants
7%
Non-permanent residents
3.8%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 96,020 89.2%
Immigrants 7,510 7%
Non-permanent residents 4,125 3.8%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
10.1%
Non-minorities
89.9%
Value Percent
Minorities 10,915 10.1%
Non-minorities 96,745 89.9%
Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.
Languages used in St. John's
English
98.7%
French
0.6%
English and French
0.2%
Neither English nor French
0.4%
Value Percent
English 106,690 98.7%
French 695 0.6%
English and French 195 0.2%
Neither English nor French 490 0.4%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.7% of people in St. John's speak English as their primary language, 0.6% communicate mainly in French, 0.2% are bilingual, and 0.4% use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in St. John's

A peek inside St. John's households

St. John's has 49,255 households, with an average of 2.2 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.7% of all homes, while 35.8% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 15.1%, and homes with four or more people account for 15.3% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
49,255
Average people per household
2.2
1 person
33.7%
2 persons
35.8%
3 persons
15.1%
4 persons
10.9%
5 or more persons
4.4%
Value Percent
1 person 16,605 33.7%
2 persons 17,655 35.8%
3 persons 7,465 15.1%
4 persons 5,395 10.9%
5 or more persons 2,175 4.4%
Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in St. John's

The housing landscape of St. John's

St. John's has a total of 54,067 private dwellings. Among the occupied dwellings, 42.3% are single-detached houses, 56.3% are attached homes such as townhouses or semi-detached units, and 1.1% are apartments. When it comes to space, St. John's offers a variety of home sizes: 11% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 64% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 25.5% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
54,067
Housing types
Single-detached homes
42.3%
Attached homes
56.3%
Apartments
1.1%
Movable homes
0.2%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 20,865 42.3%
Attached homes 27,780 56.3%
Apartments 540 1.1%
Movable homes 120 0.2%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
11%
2 or 3 bedrooms
64%
4 or more bedrooms
25.5%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 5,430 11%
2 or 3 bedrooms 31,285 64%
4 or more bedrooms 12,545 25.5%
Homes built since 2011
5,600

The age of buildings in St. John's

About 9.9% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 12.3% between 1946 and 1960. Another 13.5% went up in the 1960s, 16.7% in the 1970s, and 12.6% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 10.3% of homes were added, and 13.4% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 4,865 9.9%
Between 1946 and 1960 6,055 12.3%
Between 1961 and 1970 6,645 13.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 8,230 16.7%
Between 1981 and 1990 6,195 12.6%
Between 1991 and 2000 5,055 10.3%
Between 2001 and 2010 6,620 13.4%
After 2011 5,600 11.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

St. John's occupancy rates

In St. John's, there are 49,298 occupied private dwellings, of which 60.8% are owner-occupied and 39.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 4,769 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
49,298
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
39.2%
Owned households
60.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 19,335 39.2%
Owned households 29,920 60.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
4,769
Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In St. John's, homeowners pay a median of $1,290 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $950. About 78.1% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 21.9% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$1,290
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$950
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
78.1%
≥30% on shelter
21.9%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 38,305 78.1%
≥30% on shelter 10,770 21.9%
Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in St. John's

St. John's education at a glance

In St. John's, educational attainment varies across the community. About 12% of residents have no formal diploma, while 26.5% have completed high school and 6.3% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 20.8% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.6% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 31.7% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 11,195 12%
High school diploma 24,660 26.5%
Apprenticeship diploma 5,820 6.3%
College diploma 19,385 20.8%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 2,460 2.6%
University degree 29,495 31.7%
Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in St. John's

How much people earn in St. John's

In St. John's, the median household income sits at $75,000, while the median after-tax household income is $65,000.

Median household income
$75,000/year
Median after-tax household income
$65,000/year
Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

St. John's income by age

Young adults in St. John's between 15 and 24 have a median income of $18,400, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $39,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $54,000. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $57,200, followed by $48,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $36,000.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 18,400
25 - 34 39,200
35 - 44 54,000
45 - 54 57,200
55 - 64 48,800
Over 65 36,000

Employment in St. John's

Workforce and job sectors in St. John's

In St. John's, 57,385 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 11.5%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, business, finance and administration, and education, law, community and government services employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
57,385
Unemployment rate
11.5%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 690 1.2%
Business, finance and administration 9,300 16.7%
Natural and applied sciences 5,340 9.6%
Health 5,385 9.6%
Education, law, community and government services 8,440 15.1%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 2,070 3.7%
Sales and service 16,410 29.4%
Trades and transport 6,460 11.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 755 1.4%
Manufacturing and utilities 945 1.7%
Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in St. John's

How people get around in St. John's

In St. John's, the average commute is 15 minutes. About 84.4% of residents get to work by car, truck, or van, while 5.4% rely on public transit and 7.2% walk or bike. The remaining 3% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
15 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
52.5%
15 to 29 minutes
38.1%
30 to 44 minutes
5.7%
45 to 59 minutes
1.2%
More than 60 minutes
2.4%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 21,255 52.5%
15 to 29 minutes 15,435 38.1%
30 to 44 minutes 2,315 5.7%
45 to 59 minutes 505 1.2%
More than 60 minutes 985 2.4%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 34,195 84.4%
By public transit 2,170 5.4%
By bicycle/by walking 2,930 7.2%
By other methods 1,195 3%
Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about St. John's demographics 

What is the current total population in St. John's?

St. John's has a population of 110,525, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +3.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of St. John's?  

St. John's has a population density of 247.8 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in St. John's?

St. John's has the following gender distribution:
  • 48.4% males (53,515 residents)  
  • 51.6% females (57,010 residents)

What is the age distribution of St. John's residents?  

The age distribution of St. John's residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 13.2% (14,550 residents)   
  • 15-24: 12.4% (13,760 residents)   
  • 25-34: 14.7% (16,295 residents)   
  • 35-44: 13.5% (14,900 residents)   
  • 45-54: 12.4% (13,710 residents)   
  • 55-64: 14.1% (15,590 residents)   
  • Over 64: 19.6% (21,720 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in St. John's? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in St. John's: 
  • 89.2% non-immigrants (96,020 residents)  
  • 7% immigrants (7,510 residents)  
  • 3.8% non-permanent residents (4,125 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in St. John's?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in St. John's: 
  • English: 98.7% 
  • French: 0.6% 
  • English and French: 0.2% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.4% 

What is the typical household size in St. John's?  

The typical household size in St. John's is 2.2 people. 

What is the median household income in St. John's?  

The median household income in St. John's is $75,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of St. John's residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in St. John's is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 12% (11,195 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 26.5% (24,660 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 6.3% (5,820 residents) 
  • College diploma: 20.8% (19,385 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.6% (2,460 residents) 
  • University degree: 31.7% (29,495 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in St. John's?  

The most common occupations in St. John's fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 3.7% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 16.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 15.1% 
  • Health: 9.6% 
  • Management: 1.2% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 1.7% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 9.6% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 1.4% 
  • Sales and service: 29.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 11.6% 

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025